Girls!? Ever feel like a snake-loving freak?

So someone on FB posted some thing about why Australia is crazy and the first 5 pics were awesome snake pictures, and it made me want to go even more LOL. Her and all her friends were freaking out about the big snakes. I don't get it, they are fascinating...and I kinda want to snuggle them (ok, so I am still a real female deep down ;))

So a question to the girls here. Do you ever feel like a bit of a freak for being into snakes/herps? I have some close friends who know I keep them but I don't talk about them regularly (even though I feel like I want to a lot of the time), because they are understandably grossed out by them. I say understandably only because it seems to be the general consensus, especially amongst women.

I posted on FB when I got my first BP. My mom wasn't surprised when I got him (I have been a herp lover/catcher/owner all my life) but her jaw dropped when I told her I had 3...I plan to have a lot more than 3 LOL. I won't be posting about any other BPs I have...at least not in front of these friends.

So do you ever feel uncomfortable telling people (or certain people) about your hobby, or are you totally comfortable in your skin and don't care who knows what you do? Maybe I just have a confidence problem.

Ha! I saw the same Aussie thing on FB and was like "but the snakes are sooo cute!"

I'm the crazy snake lady on my street and among most of my friends. I'm a belly dancer and a snake chick...I'm doomed forever lol!

Also, my purse is python (faux), my gym bag is python, my phone case is python and I totally got a snake navel ring today. I totally squee'd! ;)


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Not at all lol

LOL, leyla, I guess I could be the crazy snake lady, I've just always been one of those women never completely comfortable in my own skin to begin with I guess. I find it hard to bring out another, even more uncomfortable side at this point LOL. I wish people weren't so judgy.

Snowshred, you're lucky, I give you kudos for your confidence! I find we, as women are expect to be a certain way. It can be hard to admit we're different.

I think happiness is embracing your "differentness" :)

Even though people think I'm eccentric, my friends all think I live this amazing life lol! Apparently I have been the topic of many a cocktail conversation. Hahaha!


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If people can post there ridiculous relationship drama or pictures of their Longerburger (unsure of spelling) baskets and look like coocoo's then so can we :D!!! And i dont think people understand how easy and nice you can keep snakes these days. When they see the rack there like oh thats not so bad. They tend to think your house looks like a jungle but as meticulous reptile people who all seem to be a little OCD. Well let just say we are usually neater and cleaner people then those who dont keep herps. Heck its not your fault your not boring ;)

The women at work think I'm nuts, the men think I'm cool. I'm a code monkey, I like classic cars and riding motorcycles, and I hold a license to legally manufacture and sell firearms in the US.

Oh, and I happen to breed snakes too... LOL!

Snake chicks are way cooler than non-snake chicks. You can look it up ;)

Nope, everyone knows about all of my snakes. :D I'm always talking about them and taking photos. lol Most people aren't very interested in them, though, so the conversations stay short which make forums so nice. I have just flooded my FB with photos of everyone, and I almost never get any negative comments. My grandmother is iffy of Cloud only because of his size, and I've had a couple of my cousins start begging their parents for snakes after seeing my guys. :P

Everyone knows about my babies! I am a high school science teacher and, typically, it is my girls who like the snakes and the boys who freak out! :)

I never feel uncomfortable, but then maybe its because I'm a biologist too. So liking reptiles and other animals isn't just a hobby for me, its my job and life.

Almost everyone at work thinks I am crazy for owning snakes. I don't really care. My mother hates snakes and won't spend more than a couple of minutes in the house at a time. Sometimes I feel like a bit of a freak for having snakes, but then I've felt like a freak all of my life for other things. Better to be a freak and have the things that I love than to try to conform and be miserable.

Ha! I am a 40 year old woman that is absolutely obsessed with snakes and rats. I have kept ball pythons since 2008 and I wouldn't have it any other way. When my mother found out I had snakes she freaked and said that hoped one of them got out at night and strangled me to death. So much love! My mother is old school and about as ignorant as a person can get. I also have had friends that think I am insane for keeping snakes and rats as pets. To be honest, I don't really care what anyone thinks of me anymore. I love my animals more then I love most people.

^^^feeling the love lol! My mom is absolutely pissed over me having snakes. She spent the better part of my first year as a snake owner sending me "articles" on how snakes were dangerous. She's convinced my snakes are gonna escape and kill my whole family.

Yes. I'm sure they will. *eye roll*
During a FB debate once where my mom insisted that everything that the media said about snakes was gospel, my friend who was a vet tech piped in, stated her credentials and then said, "an adult ball python couldn't harm Leyla if it wanted to"... My mom has been fuming ever since.


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I used to have five snakes(three boas and two balls) and people thought I was crazy. A few people didn't have a problem with it until they realized that I didn't have a single snake under five foot. Most people just thought I was crazy. When they learned I had a rat colony, three ferrets, two parrots, two bearded dragons, and a sulcata tortoise, some people(including most of my"friends") just started avoiding me completely, I didn't care though. If they don't like me, my animals included, then they don't deserve an awesome friend like me. People seem more accepting of my pets now but that could just be because I only have the tortoise and a sub-adult ball python. All my other pets are pretty normal now. Some people still think I'm crazy though because I go out and find slug eggs once a year and raise up a LOT of them for my friends garter snake who won't eat anything but fish, crickets, and slugs., but whatever, it's my life, not theirs.

I can't say I've ever felt like a freak, although I'm sure that's what some would think of me haha.. As for talking about them, I usually don't bring them up, it's my fiancé and his mom that tell people. Sometimes they are curious and ask questions which I love any opportunity to educate. Others times it's just a weird look and no further interest after that. I'd say it's a 50/50 split on reactions positive/negative. As for FB, I post pics every now and then when I get a new addition or take a really kool photo. But I keep it to a minimum because I don't get a lot of interest out of friends and family is usually the ones that think it's gross lol and I never post feeding pics on there because I respect some not wanting to see that. That's why I love this community, and other reptile related groups, shows, etc because I really truly get to be me :)

Boy or girl, everyone on this forum is a snake loving "freak." ;)

No, but apparently my husband feels a little freaky when he has to explain that, no, he's not the person with pet snakes just lives in the house with them. My eldest technically 'owns' Atlas and will probably take her when he leaves home (he's 15). Herc? Herc is MINE. LOL. My husband is completely apathetic, and kind of aggravated that people keep assuming they're 'his thing'.

Growing up, my dad taught me to love all animals and I quickly decided they were better than most people. My parents also taught me to do what makes me happy and not try to worry about what others may think. Luckily both of those things stuck. I've had friends go away because I will tell them simply that if they don't like my pets, they can leave. They don't have to understand my love of them, they don't have to like them, but they will be respectful of them when around me. If they aren't, I don't need them on some friend's list. I also game and hunt so between those 3 things, I have been labeled as a freak/outcast/weird for as far back as I can remember and I can't think of a moment when it's made me feel uncomfortable. If I were a guy, that wouldn't be a problem but because I do wear dresses when it's warm out, have long hair, and occasionally wear makeup, it makes me different. I'm ok with that because we only get one life to live and I fully intend to enjoy mine the way I see fit.

With that being said, I am very conscious of how my friends/family feel around my reptiles. I don't post feeding pics (as much as I'd like to sometimes!) on my Facebook and the reptiles have their own room upstairs. Yes, there are pictures of my animals on my wall but if someone is uncomfortable around them, they aren't forced to be near them. My husband, as he puts it, doesn't think but knows I'm nuts and has learned it's easier if he doesn't know how many snakes are in the house. His daughters both now have their own snakes who have a place in my rack because their mother outright hates snakes. They have developed a deep appreciation for reptiles in general but I know it's not for everyone. When we have gaming sessions, the couple of guys that like my snakes go up to my reptile room to see them because we have a couple who literally have tripped over each other just seeing one from 10 feet away (they wanted to see what a ball python looked like in person). My coworkers squeal and run away everytime they see a pic of one of my scale babies on my phone. So while I'm surrounded by a mix of feelings, when you realize that you need to live your life your way but be respectful that there are those out there who may not agree, you can enjoy your reptiles in peace. Not to mention, when you get that great shot of your snake gulping down a rat or had a horrible mess in a tub to clean up and need to vent, these forums are here so you can share all that fun stuff without being concerned that it will turn someone else off of snakes. If they are offended by it, they are in the wrong place here. ;)

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Originally Posted by Dracoluna

... I also game...When we have gaming sessions...

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What do you play?

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Originally Posted by ballpythonluvr

To be honest, I don't really care what anyone thinks of me anymore. I love my animals more then I love most people.

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I care, because unfortunately, these are the same people who influence the laws I have to follow.

Have I ever felt like a freak? Nah. Granted, other people do think I'm a freak (my mother is a prime example), but I love my snakes, and I can't imagine not keeping them. =] My SO likes them as well, and it's actually his fault I got started with my snakes. =] Now nothing could make me get rid of them. I have big plans for all my babies =]

I'm not a girl but I couldn't resist to throw my part in.. Sorry lol

First time telling friends and family that I was getting a snake was a little uncomfortable and awkward. Most of them would say "why a snake?"with a disgusted look. And I really didn't have an answer for them other than because I simply liked them. I thought my grandmother was gonna have a heart attack when I told her..

This is my second ball python and it was easier to tell people I was thinking about getting a ball python this time but still an awkward conversation. My parents hated them and I had to give my first one away when I moved in with my dad :( (Cuddles as we called her is still missed). Even now I don't live with my dad and he still was not happy about it. Telling me all sorts of crap to try and convince me not to - he should know better I'm the hardest person to convince of anything :D.

But my friends and roommates are slowly getting used to her. Normally people are much more accepting when they meet her in person rather than when I tell them about her.

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Originally Posted by Tennessee

Normally people are much more accepting when they meet her in person rather than when I tell them about her.

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That's because what people hear about snakes and then experience with snakes are two completely different things.

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Originally Posted by pythonminion

That's because what people hear about snakes and then experience with snakes are two completely different things.

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Yep. It's funny - post pictures or mention a snake, people who are normally reasonable will FREAK OUT. Show them the snake in question and they go "oh."

Though I've had to tell EVERY SINGLE PERSON who knows I have a ball python that, no, the animal definitely does not get to be 15 feet long and really isn't going to eat the dogs.

When we moved to our house last year, it leaked that a python owning belly dancer was moving into the quiet little cul de sac. My neighbor said there was massive concern...until they saw our two wire fox terriers moving in too...they said they figured the snakes couldn't be too dangerous if we had smaller dogs lol.

Since then, most of the neighbors have relaxed a bit when they see me walking around with them.


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Originally Posted by Pyrate81

What do you play?

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Right now, an ancient text based war strat called The Reincarnation (http://www.the-reincarnation.com/) and card/board games with friends. Looking forward to the release of WildStar in May for more online gaming again.

I sometimes feel like the snake version of a crazy cat lady, but luckily 15 snakes isn't nearly as burdensome as 15 cats. My friends love the snakes to death and always want to come over to play with them. It also helps that my group of friends involve multiple biology majors, a couple mouse-lab employees, and a goat farmer. In my limited experience, I've met more guys afraid of snakes than girls.

My neighbors don't know but my apartment manager does, though my snakes are a lot less harmful than the guys downstairs that make the vents smell like weed and caused a big fire directly under me...

To me it feels no different than someone who collects orchids. Except orchids are more difficult, less fun to be around, and can cause allergies.

Generally I'm very open about the fact that I'm a girl with eight snakes, but only if the topic happens to come up naturally. I don't go out telling people I have them. Usually they're shocked. Not because they're freaked out, but because they just never would expect me to have them. I don't come across as someone who'd be into creepy crawly creatures. My mom, on the other hand, knows I have snakes (I was never allowed to have them when I lived at home), but she will NEVER know how many I have as long as I can manage it!

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Originally Posted by Shera

I don't get it, they are fascinating...and I kinda want to snuggle them (ok, so I am still a real female deep down ;))

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First, I have to say that was an awesome quote! :)

To answer the question, I often feel like others think I'm a snake-loving freak. It doesn't bother me. I generally keep quiet about my snakes, though, to avoid the reactions. It just is simpler that way.

People have always assumed that I had strange pets... And, for the past year that I've had my tongue split, everyone asks me if I own snakes. Well, I didn't... And now I own three.

I just have to explain to people that my pythons aren't going to try and eat my dachshund. -.-

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Originally Posted by CarrieAnnx3

I just have to explain to people that my pythons aren't going to try and eat my dachshund. -.-

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What is WITH this? When people find out I have the BP, even if they're sitting there LOOKING AT THE SNAKE, they ask me if I'm afraid it's going to eat my dogs. Who weigh 15, 15, 20, 25, and 90lbs respectively.

Not freaking likely!

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Originally Posted by CptJack

What is WITH this? When people find out I have the BP, even if they're sitting there LOOKING AT THE SNAKE, they ask me if I'm afraid it's going to eat my dogs. Who weigh 15, 15, 20, 25, and 90lbs respectively.

Not freaking likely!

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All of my snakes are under 700g for now... I would love to see them try. Ahaha.

Yup. You mention snake and everyone thinks it's gonna eat the town.

Everyone just needs to stop watching the movie Anaconda or at least using it as their frame of reference for all of their snake knowledge.


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I keep getting asked "Aren't you scared it will attack you?" And I'm like, "I'd be way more scared if my brothers Labrador attacked me."


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People always ask me if they bite, and I respond with the same answer I've given for every animal I've worked with- Whether it's a dog, dolphin, horse, snake, or hamster...if it has teeth, it bites and even if it doesn't have teeth, it probably still bites.

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Originally Posted by CptJack

What is WITH this? When people find out I have the BP, even if they're sitting there LOOKING AT THE SNAKE, they ask me if I'm afraid it's going to eat my dogs. Who weigh 15, 15, 20, 25, and 90lbs respectively.

Not freaking likely!

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Yup! My grandmother once told me she's worried my ball pythons (because they are *gasp* PYTHONS!) will eat my 2 year old daughter... I very calmly explained to her the biggest animal these snakes are a danger to is a rat, and even then they probably won't be able to tackle a full grown rat. She hasn't mentioned that fear again since then. Not sure if its because I convinced her, or because she just decided it wasn't worth arguing with me over. ;)

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Originally Posted by sorraia

Yup! My grandmother once told me she's worried my ball pythons (because they are *gasp* PYTHONS!) will eat my 2 year old daughter... I very calmly explained to her the biggest animal these snakes are a danger to is a rat, and even then they probably won't be able to tackle a full grown rat. She hasn't mentioned that fear again since then. Not sure if its because I convinced her, or because she just decided it wasn't worth arguing with me over. ;)

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I was talking to someone who was normally very rational and intelligent last night and was informed that pythons will continue to grow their whole lives and, the actual wtf part, have the capacity to become enormous. Didn't matter what python species it was. ALL OF THEM could get as big as Burmese and Retics.

Yeah. Right. Of course. How silly of me.

Man. I want a children's python now.

I want to know where these people get their "facts" from. I was dancing at a restaurant and this dude FLIPPED (phobia) and his wife and him left, all because of my 2 year old ball python. The wife told the owner, she couldn't BELIEVE they let a venomous animal that close to customers. The owner said, she's not venomous and completely docile...never had an issue with her, she stays on the dancer. The wife says, "don't be stupid, ALL snakes are venomous!!" and stormed out. I was stunned...seriously? Have any of these people taken a biology class or watched animal planet...or googled anything? Geez, it's not like information is so rare these days. *eye roll*

And yes, I always respond to the bite question: if it has a mouth, it can bite...me included. :)

I'm at a point in my life where I don't care what anyone thinks of my pets or hobbies. I'm going to do what I enjoy and people can either accept it or not. When I was younger I used to worry more about what people thought though.

Nope I'm pretty open about my love for snakes. It doesn't bother me when I get the obvious reactions from people who don't care for them. I don't feel the need to hide my interests, even when others don't approve. They have their opinions as I have my own.

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Originally Posted by XIronMaidenOpheliaX

Nope I'm pretty open about my love for snakes. It doesn't bother me when I get the obvious reactions from people who don't care for them. I don't feel the need to hide my interests, even when others don't approve. They have their opinions as I have my own.

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You go girl!!!!

Do I think my girlfriend liking snakes makes her a freak? Well that's definitely one of the reasons! It's also one of the reasons she's so awesome. :)

I am a guy but I have had similar thoughts before. I wouldn't say that they are freinds if you can't be yourself around them. Having freinds is highly over rated. Its great to have freinds but it would be best if those freinds knew you. People are so ignorant it's not even funny sometimes and they will usualy stay that way. I would try to be more open around them and see how they act. They either like you and appreciate you just as you are or they don't deserve you!:gj:

Never. I never feel like a "freak" for liking what I like. I love that I love snakes. :)
I also don't believe there's any one way to be "male" or "female" or otherwise. Gender roles and gender in general are completely a cultural and societal creation (when we are talking in separation of "sex roles" for mating, like in the animal kingdom). So no. I don't feel like a freak - perhaps weird, but that's not because of the snakes! :P


As one of my favourite actors from a pretty good movie put it:

"Don't let anyone ever make you feel like you don't deserve what you want" (Heath Ledger, 10 Things I Hate About You).

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Originally Posted by XIronMaidenOpheliaX

Nope I'm pretty open about my love for snakes. It doesn't bother me when I get the obvious reactions from people who don't care for them. I don't feel the need to hide my interests, even when others don't approve. They have their opinions as I have my own.

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This is me in a nutshell as well. I also do my fair share of re-education when somebody brings up a phony snake myth. (My favorite so far is that snakes supposedly drink through their skin, and they were adamant about it. I kindly yet enthusiastically explained the difference between reptiles and amphibians as well as my personal observation on snake drinking. :))

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Originally Posted by NH93

I also don't believe there's any one way to be "male" or "female" or otherwise. Gender roles and gender in general are completely a cultural and societal creation (when we are talking in separation of "sex roles" for mating, like in the animal kingdom).

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This! I totally agree! I grew up playing outside, chasing lizards and snakes and bugs. I also played dress up and had dolls as well as cars. My daughter is growing up the same way. Gender roles are societal, ands different cultures may have different roles. In the US ands many other countries we have the freedom to choose was we do with our lives

Yeah, This summer, I'm going to try and get my younger siblings comfortable with my Ball when I bring him home. Both my 6 year old sister and 10 year old brother will love him once they get used to him I think. Just gotta make sure Bailee doesn't "love" to hard. lol.

My friends and family are fine with my pets, some of them fear snakes and don't want to see them and some are interested and want to hold them, see them eat etc. Strangers usually if they ask for my pet list by the time I hit the reptiles they probably already think I am nuts. IME once you can get someone to touch or see a snake, they aren't nearly as worried or freaked out by it, my ball python has been really useful there since he's good sized but very calm and handle able. My fiance likes the snakes but doesn't really interact with them and that's fine, he's got his hobbies, I have mine, I don't judge if he buys another gun so he keeps his mouth shut about the snakes.

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Originally Posted by sorraia

This! I totally agree! I grew up playing outside, chasing lizards and snakes and bugs. I also played dress up and had dolls as well as cars. My daughter is growing up the same way. Gender roles are societal, ands different cultures may have different roles. In the US ands many other countries we have the freedom to choose was we do with our lives

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Glad to see I'm not the only one ;)

My only issue is, that we may believe we have choice, but in actual fact we are still given pink and blue baby gifts accordingly, and tell little boys how "big and strong they are" and girls "how cute and pretty" they are. And your son better not "throw like a girl" for he's sure to get bullied. And gosh forbid your daughter sits "like a boy" with her legs spread open without a care, and not crossed or closed together. Even if their parents are modern and avoid such things, friends and family - even teachers, the public, and of course the ever evil media :P - still promote that dichotomy.

But I digress. Yet, this still plays into the ideas surrounding odd or exotic pets. I personally was told once, "Wow! You're like a man." I asked why, and the reply was "Because you have snakes. But you're a chick. It's weird." So it's weird to like what you like because others are uncomfortable with it.
Poor society. And coming from a Western culture. :(


OP, thank you for bringing up such a thinker of a question. It's got me going!